Real-time detection of bacterial aerosols by fiber optic-based biosensors

An-Cheng Chang; Mary Beth Tabacco

doi:10.1117/12.418738

13 March 2001 Real-time detection of bacterial aerosols by fiber optic-based biosensors

An-Cheng Chang, Mary Beth Tabacco

Proceedings Volume 4206, Photonic Detection and Intervention Technologies for Safe Food; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.418738
Event: Environmental and Industrial Sensing, 2000, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A new approach is presented for real-time detection of bacterial aerosols using a sensing film configured on optical fibers. The sensing film contains nucleic acid-reactive fluorophores immobilized in hydrophilic polymers such as carboxymethylcellulose. Detection is based on changes in the fluorescence emission as a function of cell number deposited on the sensor. The sample is introduced using a nebulizer and the fiber probe, with the sensing film was placed directly inside a bioaerosol chamber. The sensor shows real-time responses to pulses of aerosolized bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The signals from the sensor are dependent on the humidity in the chamber. We have demonstrated that at lower humidities the ithegrated intensity does not provide a clear indication of the presence of bacterial aerosol. However, ftirther analysis shows that the intensity ratio at different wavelengths, for example I525/I560 or I505/I560, does correlate with bacteria concentration. The present detection limit for aerosolized bacteria is 3000 cells/mm2. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of real-time detection of bacterial aerosols using the sensing film described here. The sensing film remains stable after storage under desiccation and in the dark for extended periods. The sensor also remains stable at room temperature for many hours after removal from the package.

Citation Download Citation

An-Cheng Chang and Mary Beth Tabacco "Real-time detection of bacterial aerosols by fiber optic-based biosensors", Proc. SPIE 4206, Photonic Detection and Intervention Technologies for Safe Food, (13 March 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.418738

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